Civics & Economics
The executive branch of government at the state level is led by the governor. The governor exercises the formal powers granted by the Constituon of Virginia:
"The chief executive power of the Commonwealth shall be vested in a Governor." Article V, Section I
Virginia governors serve a term of four years and may not be re-elected to a consecutive term. However, they may still run for re-election.
Virginia governors fulfill many roles as the state's most recognized leader. These roles include chief of state, chief executive, chief legislator, commander-in-chief, and chief of party. At times these roles overlap and are not clearly defined.
Executive Branch: Roles and Powers
Words to Know
role - expected behavior patterns and responsibilities associated with a particular job.
Chief of State
As the chief of state the Governor is the ceremonial head of Virginia's government. Any time that the Governor is representing Virginia in a formal observance he is acting as the chief of state.
Photo: Governor McDonnell's portrait unveiled at the Library of Virginia, December 3, 2013. (Official Governor's Office photo by Michaele White)
Chief Executive
As the chief executive the governor is the leader of the executive branch of Virginia's government. The executive branch includes the Governor's Cabinet, and an extremely large amount of agencies and regulatory groups. This large group of agencies and regulatory groups are known as a bureaucracy. How many Cabinet departments are there? Click the photo to find out.
Photo: Governor's conference room. (Retrieved from www.governor.virginia.gov/Cabinet, on 12/2013)
Chief Legislator
As chief legislator the Governor is the porposer of Virginia's legislative agenda. This is a formal role given to the Governor by Virginia's Constitution:
"The Governor shall communicate to the General Assembly, at every regular session, the condition of the Commonwealth, recommend to its consideration such measures as he may deem expedient, and convene the General Assembly on application of two-thirds of the members elected to each house thereof, or when, in his opinion, the interest of the Commonwealth may require."
Article V, Section 5
As chief legislator the Governor also has the power to sign bills into law or veto any bills blocking them from becoming law.
Photo: Governor Bob McDonnell Announces Part 1 of his ALL STUDENTS K-12 Legislative Agenda. Below: Governor signs Bill SB967. Governor's Office official photography by Michaele White, retrieved 12/2013.
Commander-In-Chief
As commander-in-chief the Governor is the leader of Virginia's military, the Virginia National Guard:
"The Governor shall be commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Commonwealth and shall have power to embody such forces to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, and enforce the execution of the laws."
Article V, Section 7
Chief of Party
The Governor represents all Virginians, but there is a specific political party that helped to put them in office. Therefore, the Governor owes a responsibility to their political party. Governorss are expected to be the chief of their political party. As chief of party the Governor is the leader of the political party that controls the executive branch of government at the state level.
Photo: Governor McDonnell's Annual Tax Tribute, November 27,2013 (Official Governor's Office photo by Michaele White)
Photo: Governor McDonnell visits Virginia's Wall of Honor in a ceremony recognizing contributions of past and present veterans (Photo by Virginia Guard Public Affairs)